AVIA ACCORD-201

TYPE: Light utility twin-prop transport.

PROGRAMME: Original (lightweight) Accord design began May 1991; first flew 18 April 1994. Production version is Accord-201; prototype flew 18 August 1997 at Nizhny Novgorod, initially with only VFR avionics and without floats. Demonstrations to prospective customers began December 1997; series of 12 flights from water, using floats, undertaken mid-1998. By early 1999, four more aircraft, including static test specimen, under construction and tooling in place for maximum possible production of 10 per month. Second prototype was due to fly in December 2001, but no evidence that this took place. Russian AP-23 certification anticipated October 1999, but delayed, eventually beginning on 20 April 2000. Experimental category certificate, granted mid-2000 with expiry date of 19 June 2001. Hartzell propellers received Russian certification in October 2000. Full certification expected mid-2002, using Becker avionics in place of original Bendix/King equipment. However, certification had not been completed by April 2003.

CUSTOMERS: First firm order received in May 1998 from Almazy Rossii-Sakha diamond mining company, which ordered two to be used for geomagnetic survey and exploration. Customers in Abu Dhabi and Liechtenstein by 2000; however, because of certification delays, former contract under renegotiation and latter cancelled by late 2001. No further sales reported.

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and up to six passengers in 2-3-2 seating, at 80 cm (31.5 in) pitch. Alternatively, pilot and three passengers and cargo, or all-cargo. or one stretcher patient, one or two attendants and medical equipment. Optional dual controls. Two large upward-hinged side doors. Baggage/cargo hold at rear of cabin, with door.